Doing Research is a unique program launched by the Global Development Network (GDN), that contributes to a better objective assessment of research systems for social sciences in developing countries, to expose weaknesses and shortcomings that can be addressed through research policy and programs. Find out more about Doing Research at www.gdn.int/doingresearch

1. WHY SHOULD AFRICA CARE ABOUT DOING RESEARCH?
AFRICA IS DEVELOPING FAST
15%
In 2015, only
of the world’s
think tanks were in
Africa
53emerging
economies
$$$
BUT ARE AFRICANS GUIDING THIS DEVELOPMENT?
In 2012, the
share of the
world’s research
articles with at
least one
African author
was only
1.3%
Between
2010 - 2014
GDN-supported studies
from Cameroon and Cote
d’Ivoire call for a
complete revitalization of
their research systems
REVITALIZING RESEARCH
SYSTEMS HAS MANY BENEFITS Governments can use
the Doing Research
method to map their
own research system,
benchmark themselves
against relevant
countries, catalyze
development action,
and implement better
policies
Development
problems can
be identified
and solutions
found
More people can become involved
in their own development
$1.7trillion
Africa’s GDP is over
300 million
with over
people
Doing Research is a unique GDN program that contributes to a better objective assessment of
research systems for social sciences in developing countries, to expose weaknesses and
shortcomings that can be addressed through research policy and programs.
Find out more about Doing Research at www.gdn.int/doingresearch
social science publications
from sub-Saharan Africa
referenced in SCOPUS grew by
78%
Sources: SCOPUS; Go To Think Tank Index; Fomba and Ahouré 2016, GDN-supported study.